Actions

DOD Says California Set Limits For National Guard's Role At Border

California's governor agreed to send troops to the border, but the Trump administration says the state isn't complying with its initial request.

DOD Says California Set Limits For National Guard's Role At Border

By: Katherine Biek

Posted

and last updated

The Trump administration says California isn't complying with its initial request to send National Guard troops to the border.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation ordering National Guard troops be sent south to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

National Guard troops are under the control of their state's governor, and governors don't necessarily have to comply with presidential proclamations.

California Gov. Jerry Brown agreed to send some troops last week but said none will be "enforcing federal immigration laws."

On Monday, a Defense Department official told reporters that California won't let its National Guard troops help with manning surveillance cameras, vehicle maintenance and other operational tasks.

But a spokesman for the California National Guard told The Associated Press "state officials have not rejected anything." He said the federal government has yet to reply to the state's proposal of a formal agreement outlining the mission's scope.